At last night's orientation for the FRSSI home group facilitators, we did a constructivist protocol that got us to think about the traits of excellent facilitation. Here are the ideas that Lynn and I scribed.
Good facilitators. . .
. . . are a catalyst for reflection.
. . . have pleasant, positive attitudes.
. . . make learning fun and interesting.
. . . are flexible.
. . . are thoughtful in questions and responses. Their questions push thinking.
. . . are concerned with making every one feel comfortable.
. . . allow time for reflection.
. . . listen well.
. . . don't take themselves seriously but take the work seriously.
. . . are seamless.
. . . solve dilemmas.
. . . can remain neutral.
. . . talk with not at.
In hindsight, I would like to add that the very best facilitators that I've had the pleasure of working with are also transparent.
This list makes me wonder what traits I am strong in and what traits I need to strengthen. I wonder what my colleagues would say.
Comments (1)
I believe very few of us, especially in the teaching profession, are natural facilitators. I think we can be good at it but it takes work and thought. I am going to copy and print this list for future reference - maybe as my beginning mantra before I facilitate.
I would love to hear about more on "transparent "- I think this is becoming overused and I am sure I like to use it when I am working with other people that are trying to learn how to facilitate. I am not sure of its use in places when you are facilitating others. I always think in those situations "transparency" is othen used as an excuse to lack of preparation, poor communication between facilitators before the session, and an agenda or outcome that is not understood by the facilitator.
Posted by Michaelann | August 12, 2004 6:03 AM
Posted on August 12, 2004 06:03